ADHD in Older Women

Many women* in midlife struggle with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They often report feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed by their struggles.

Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopausal and menopausal changes can exacerbate the emotional dysregulation and increase executive functioning problems that are caused by adhd in young women. Exercise and a healthy diet and locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about adhd could help alleviate your symptoms.

Symptoms

Women can be diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that women tend present with more inattentive than hyperactive symptoms (which are more easily recognized by other people), they develop strategies to disguise these symptoms, and also hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and perimenopausal.

Appearing aloof during conversations is a common sign of women suffering from ADD/ADHD. This can make it difficult for them to interact with other people and can increase their impulsivity or lack of attention deficit in women. Unhealthy coping behaviors, such as shopping, watching TV (especially reality shows), and overeating are also common among women with ADHD or ADD. The difficulty in remembering names is another common sign of ADHD for women. This can be made worse by a variety of situations that are that have to do with health, aging, and menopausal.

Women with ADD/ADHD also have a higher risk of depression than men. Additionally, women with ADD/ADHD are more susceptible to various other medical conditions and mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, tics, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. It is crucial to treat these conditions to manage and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

Women with ADD/ADHD also are more likely to have difficulty getting good quality sleep compared to other adults. This can lead to exhaustion which can exacerbate symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Insufficient or low-quality sleep can make it difficult to focus on school, work or household chores.

Verywell Health points out that many people use the terms "gender" and "ADD/ADHD" interchangeably, but sexuality refers to biology while gender is a social concept that is assigned at birth based on the person's internal sense of self as male, female, or nonbinary. Gender is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation as well as genital anatomies and the chromosomal makeup.

No matter if you suffer from ADHD or ADD, many of the same suggestions for improving your sleep and reducing stress apply. You can improve your concentration and sleep by doing regular exercise, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises and developing a healthy routine for sleeping.

Treatment

Women with ADHD have unique experiences when seeking treatment for their condition. It can be difficult for them to spot symptoms within themselves, and it can be more difficult to get the help they need. They are also more likely to mask their ADHD symptoms. They are more likely to get a diagnosis later and receive less effective treatment than males.

The difficulties of adhd in women checklist can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone and estrogen levels can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and executive functioning issues are often associated with ADHD. In addition, changes in blood flow associated with aging may cause cognitive declines that are similar to ADHD symptoms. It's therefore important to make sure that health professionals can differentiate between a normal part of aging and ADHD symptoms.

There are several treatments for people suffering from ADHD, including lifestyle changes and medication. A good night's sleep by establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before going to going to bed and eating regularly will improve the quality of sleep. Exercise is also important, and many people who suffer from ADHD discover that meditation or yoga can help them relax. It is important to speak with your doctor about the treatments that are best for you.

Some people with ADHD might benefit from joining a group for support. These groups can offer an environment where you can talk about the difficulties that arise in relationships, work and other areas of your life when you have ADHD. Women who have ADHD might benefit from either individual or group therapy that focuses on teaching them strategies to deal with their ADHD. Therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing negative thoughts for healthier ones.

Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for women. It can help you to understand why you have been struggling and provide you with the framework to improve your life. Some people choose to work with an expert coach who can assist them to discover strategies for managing their behavior and create goals for their life.

Self-help

There's a broad variety of professional treatments for ADHD and other disorders, you can improve your condition by taking steps to manage it. These strategies can include self-discipline techniques as well as lifestyle changes, therapy or counseling. Many people with ADHD incorporate stress management techniques, home and work accommodations and changes to their diet into their daily schedules. Before beginning any of these methods it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that they are safe and will meet your needs.

The negative impact on family and relationships is a major challenge for ADHD in Older Women women with undiagnosed ADHD or adult female adhd symptoms-onset ADHD. Misunderstandings and criticisms from partners, spouses, and coworkers is common. ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness absence of appointments, and impulsive decisions can also strain the patience of even the most understanding family members. Couples therapy and classes that focus on conflict resolution and communication can be helpful.

Some people suffering from ADHD are also afflicted with depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Some women also develop non-suicidal (NSSI) self-injury that may take the form of burning, cutting, or scratching. NSSI is a dangerous symptom, which is usually caused by untreated ADHD. It is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.

Women who suffer from ADHD might also experience feelings of self-pity or shame when they are viewed as a victim by other people. This can lead to depression, self-esteem issues, and a lack motivation. A support system that understands these struggles and teaches you how to manage them can make a significant impact on your life.

ADHD symptoms are influenced by fluctuating levels of estrogen during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and perimenopausal. Some women notice that their symptoms become more severe during these times and require more medication to control them. Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and control the body's production of estrogen. Additionally you can consult an ADHD coach can assist you to create a specific strategy to meet your goals and feel more in control of your day-today responsibilities.

Genetics

The the chromosomal makeup of an individual determines the risk of developing certain diseases, such as ADHD. Numerous studies have proven that there are genetic correlations between ADHD and medical conditions like lung cancer, coronary artery disease, parents age at death, and demographics such as the number of children, age of the first child, and gender at birth. These results suggest that ADHD is a genetic cause with these disorders. They also suggest that there are common neurobiological processes that link the two conditions.

Women suffering from ADHD may develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. This masking may consist of putting all their effort into their work, avoiding their problems from loved ones or altering their behavior to conform to social norms. Some of these methods are healthy, however others are not and can cause a feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm.

Additionally mothers and women are frequently expected to take care of their children due to societal and familial expectations. The combination of high expectations, low self-esteem and the challenges of living with ADHD can be an ideal recipe for depression and anxiety. It is not uncommon for these emotions to trigger or even exacerbate ADHD symptoms, like mood shifts and feelings of unworthiness.

Some women find that their symptoms are worse during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or during perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen decreases. This could be due to the fact the diminution in estrogen can cause seletonin and dopamine levels to drop and make ADHD symptoms worse.

Many women describe their ADHD diagnosis as a "lightbulb" moment. They are relieved to finally understand the reason for their issues and are now able to seek help and therapy. In some cases, the diagnosis allows them to forgive themselves for the mishaps they've experienced in their lives because of their ADHD symptoms.

Verywell Health acknowledges sex as more than just biology. It can be difficult to separate gender differences between men and women from socially constructed differences in gender. This article is applicable to women and people who were assigned female at birth regardless of their gender identity.